Nathaniel Burwell wrote Jefferson on February 17, 1818 requesting Jefferson to recommend a system of female education that is "adapted to the present state of our society" and "compatible with the pecuniary circumstances of females, that will enable them to acquire a liberal and accomplished education." Burwell asked that a catalogue of books deemed proper to compose a female library accompany the plan if Jefferson was willing to oblige his request. Jefferson responded in a letter from Monticello on March 14, 1818 discussing his views on such a plan (which he wrote was a subject "on which I have not thought much" nor has it been "a subject of systematic contemplation" for him).